Simon Hart MP has described the go ahead for the Celtic Freeport a momentous occasion for Wales and for the UK.

The Member of Parliament for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said:

“I have campaigned for the port of Milford Haven to be a model Freeport since we began developing this exciting policy, and I am absolutely thrilled that it is now coming to fruition.

“Freeports are at the forefront of Levelling Up: driving growth and bringing opportunity and prosperity to the communities that surround them. That now means our community.

“The new Celtic Freeport will help to create tens of thousands of new jobs, boost business, and unleash potentially billions of pounds of investment in our local area and beyond.

“Credit to MHPA and PCC, as their strong bids compellingly demonstrated how they will use Freeport status to regenerate our local communities, establish hubs for global trade, and foster an innovative environment.

“Businesses locating in the Freeport will be able to take advantage of generous tax reliefs and a simplified customs procedure, as well as a package of trade and innovation support.

“Our Celtic Freeport aims to attract significant inward investment including £3.5 billion in the hydrogen industry as well as the creation of 16,000 jobs, generating £900 million in Gross Value Added by 2030. The Freeport will focus on low carbon technologies like floating offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation and storage and biofuels to support the accelerated reduction of carbon emissions.

“This will be supported by the development of land and quayside space and bringing a disused railhead back into use to enable infrastructure to support development.”